Hope After the Storm: A Spring Break Missions Story
- bradyrennix
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Every year around this time, hundreds of thousands of college students head somewhere warm and sunny for spring break. As appealing as that sounds, our students chose a different path this year—one focused on serving others and making a difference in the name of Jesus.
We partnered with PA/SJ Disaster Relief and DevelopTioga.org to help with flood damage cleanup in Westfield, Pennsylvania. If you talk to anyone from Tioga County, they’ll quickly share stories of the devastation they’ve experienced—three major floods in just two years.
Our home base was First Baptist Church of Ulysses, where we were incredibly well cared for with
housing, hot showers, and plenty of breakfast casseroles and sweet treats to fuel long days of work. Each day, we loaded into vans and headed out to job sites. Most of our work involved garage cleanouts and mucking out areas beneath manufactured homes. We worked hard to clear debris, sort belongings, and help families begin to restore order to their homes. What stood out most, though, were the stories. Homeowners shared how quickly the floodwaters rose and how much they had lost. In each place, we had the opportunity to pray with families and remind them they are not alone.
One especially powerful moment came when a resident gifted one of our students a 2012 Ford Fusion. This student had been faithfully praying for reliable transportation, and with tears in his eyes, he received this unexpected provision from God. Watching him drive back to campus in that car was a moment none of us will forget.
Beyond the work sites, God was at work within our team as well. Each night, we gathered for worship, Bible study, and meaningful, Gospel-centered conversations. These moments helped deepen relationships and strengthen faith. In our free time, we explored some of God’s beautiful creation—hiking the Pine Creek Gorge (often called the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania”), enjoying a cookout at a local family’s cabin, and visiting Cherry Springs State Park, known as one of the best stargazing locations in the world. Standing under a sky full of stars, we were reminded of God’s power, creativity, and faithfulness.
We return home incredibly grateful—grateful that God allowed us to serve, to bring hope, and to
be part of what He is doing in the lives of others. There is something deeply meaningful about stepping out to give, only to realize how much we receive in return.
Thank you for your generous support and faithful prayers. Trips like this are only possible because of you—and your prayers truly make a difference.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
— Proverbs 19:17
Ways to Give
Credit cards: Click here to give a one-time gift or to become a monthly supporter: https://missionaries.namb.net/full/brady-rennix
Make checks payable to NAMB, auto-withdrawal is available
In the memo section, please include the following: #D421Q7-Rennix, Brady
All gifts are tax-deductible.
Mail to: NAMB-MSC, PO Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543
Facebook page: Jesus Loves College Students
This is a way you can keep up to date with college events and pray for them, as they happen.
This will give you access to the blog and picture archives.
Giving and seeing the great things God is doing on the college campus is a blessing.
If you are a current partner, thanks so much!
If you are not, please pray about supporting us monthly (anywhere from $25- $100 per month).
Invite your small group or Sunday school class at church to adopt a campus ministry (Delaware Valley University, Gwynedd Mercy University, Chestnut Hill College, or Montgomery County Community College). We can set up a time to prayer walk a campus, meet students, host a dinner, or support an upcoming outreach event. Just let us know where you want to direct your focus.
Comments